Katy Fulton
Adjunct Professor · Western Michigan University
Paw Paw, MI
In My Own Words
An experienced and creative apparel sales professional with a proven track record of increasing sales, customer satisfaction, and product development. Skilled in using various software and tools to design, market, and sell clothing and accessories. Adept at managing retail operations, leading teams, and teaching fashion courses.
Work Experience
Adjunct Professor
Western Michigan University2019 – Present
• Instructed students in coursework including FCS 2570 – Merchandising Technology and FCS 3330 – Digital Patternmaking for Fashion Design. • Created course work, communicated with, assessed, and distributed information to students through the e-learning platform. • Modelled for students how to perform professionally in an industry-like setting. • Assisted with Fashion Career Week and successfully recruited local brands to present to students.
Retail Store Manager
The Waiting Room2021 – 2023
• Managed retail associates and organized the weekly staff schedule, including time-off requests and sick day management. • Improved quarterly sales by 30% consistently since date of hire. • Composed a return policy for the retail section of The Waiting Room and trained staff on the application of the store policy. • Organized inventory on the Shopify database, checked items in from the warehouse, printed price tags and UPCs, uploaded items to the website, and shipped and received packages.
Women's Department Lead
Orvis2019 – 2020
• Improved women’s apparel department sales by 150% in the first 90 days of employment. • Exceeded Q4 regional sales goals by 20% and achieved district 2019 yearly sales goals compared to 2018 margins. • Led in-store retail events that promoted fly fishing education and local conservation awareness and fundraising. • Appointed retail store keyholder status including opening and closing duties and responsibilities.
Trim Technician
Lear Corporation2016 – 2018
• Draped foams and frames of automotive seats, armrests and headrests for vehicle trim design. • Followed trim engineering material matrices to create patterns for automotive trim components. • Utilized Product Lifecycle Management software to search for seating parts and bills of materials. • Digitized, created, and walked patterns in Gerber Pattern Design Software.
Education
Master of Art in Textile and Apparel Studies
Western Michigan University2012 – 2015
Master of Art in Textile and Apparel Studies
Bachelor of Science in Textile and Apparel Studies
Western Michigan University2001 – 2006
Bachelor of Science in Textile and Apparel Studies